Realme XT vs Realme X2 vs Redmi Note 8 Pro Comparison: Which one to buy?

The fierce competition between Realme and Xiaomi has kept us and all other brands on the edge for the whole year. At the end of the day, consumers benefit from this intense rivalry and if you looking to buy a phone priced under Rs. 20,000, you definitely be weighing the three options – Realme X2 (review), Realme XT (review), and Redmi Note 8 Pro (review).

So, which one should you pick? By now we have had some quality experience with all three of these phones and here we will share a few pointers that should hopefully help simplify your buying decision.

Realme XT vs Realme X2 vs Redmi Note 8 Pro: Specs comparison

Model	Realme X2	Realme XT	Redmi Note 8 Pro
Display	6.4-inch (2340 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+,  Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Protection   In-display fingerprint sensor	6.4-inch (2340 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+,  Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Protection   In-display fingerprint sensor	6.53-inch (2340 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+,  Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Protection
Chipset	8nm octa-core Snapdragon 730G	10nm octa-core Snapdragon 712	12nm octa-core MediaTek Helio G90T
RAM	4GB/ 6GB/ 8GB LPDDR4x	4GB/ 6GB/ 8GB LPDDR4x	6GB/ 8GB LPDDR4x
Internal Storage	64GB/128 UFS 2.1; Dedicated card slot	64GB/128 UFS 2.1; Dedicated card slot	64GB/128 UFS 2.1; Dedicated card slot
Software	Android 9.0 Pie-based Color OS 6.1	Android 9.0 Pie-based Color OS 6.1	Android 9.0 Pie-based MIUI 11 (post upgrade)
Rear Camera	64MP (f/1.8) + 8MP wide-angle (f/2.25) + 2MP Macro + 2MP depth sensor	64MP (f/1.8) + 8MP wide-angle (f/2.25) + 2MP Macro + 2MP depth sensor	64MP (f/1.8) + 8MP wide-angle (f/2.25) + 2MP Macro + 2MP depth sensor
Front Camera	32MP, f/2.0	16MP, f/2.0	20 MP, f/2.0
Dimensions and weight	158.7 × 75.2 × 8.6 mm; 186 grams	158.7 × 75.2 × 8.6 mm; 183 grams	161.4 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm; 200 g
Battery	4000mAh, 30W SuperVOOC charger	4000mAh, 20W SuperVOOC charger	4500mAh, 18W fast charger
NFC	No	No	Yes
Price	4GB RAM + 64GB Storage: Rs. 16,999 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs. 18,999 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs. 19,999	4GB RAM + 64GB Storage: Rs. 15,999 6GB RAM + 64GB Storage: Rs. 16,999 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs. 18,999	6GB RAM + 64GB Storage: Rs. 14,999 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs. 15,999 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs. 17,999

Performance and software

All of these three are gaming phones. The Redmi Note 8 Pro is powered by 12nm process-based MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, the Realme X2 is powered by the 8nm process-based Snapdragon 730G, and the Realme XT employs the 10nm process-based Snapdragon 712.

Of the three, the Snapdragon 730G leads in benchmarks and in day-to-day usage. The MediaTek Helio G90T comes in second. It can drive PUBG at higher graphics and frame rate settings, but the gameplay doesn’t remain as smooth. The Realme XT is a close third, but it’s still quite powerful and never felt lacking.

As for the software, the Redmi Note 8 Pro nor runs Android 9-based MIUI 11 (After upgrade), but the interface is incessantly plagued with ads. The customized Color OS 6 on the Realme phones is far from ideal, but the first glimpse of upcoming Realme UI (April 2020) looks promising.

Also Read: Realme X2 Pro Review

Design and Build

All of these three phones have similar construction. There’s a v-shaped notch for selfie camera, Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back and a polycarbonate rim running along the sides. Both the Realme XT and Realme X2 have the exact same design.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is bigger and heavier in comparison, but it’s still comfortable to hold and operate.

Camera

Rear camera configuration on all of these three phones is similar. All of the three rely on Samsung’s 64MP GW1 sensor, and all three deliver the best results in proper outdoor lighting.

Xiaomi’s image processing software lends it an edge and we’d say the Redmi Note 8 Pro leads when it comes to overall camera performance.

Battery backup

The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a bigger 4500mAh battery backed by 18W charger, but the battery backup and experience is the best on the Realme X2. The 4000mAh battery drains slowly and charges rapidly, thanks to 30W VOOC charging.

The Realme X2 also has a 4000mAh battery and benefits from 20W VOOC fast charging.

Realme XT vs Realme X2 vs Redmi Note 8 Pro: Which one to buy

So, to sum up, what we have discussed above:

Points in favor of Redmi Note 8 Pro

• The Redmi Note 8 Pro offers relatively better camera performance.
• Alexa integration is a pro if you are invested in Amazon’s service and product ecosystem
• Brighter display with HDR.
• The Redmi Note 8 Pro additionally offers NFC support and IR blaster.
• Supports PUBG in higher settings.
• Costs lesser (if you buy from Mi.com).

Points in favor of Realme X2

• Realme X2 is lighter and more ergonomic.
• It offers the best battery and fast charging experience in its class.
• Overall, offers the best performance of the three.
• Has an AMOLED display with deep blacks.
• Includes a fast and reliable in-display fingerprint sensor.

Points in favor of Realme XT

Essentially the same experience as Realme X2, but at a slightly cheaper price. If you aren’t much into gaming, you might as well consider it as an option.